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Most of us assume that the case for reparations to address the inhumane legacy of slavery is primarily about financial compensation. But that’s not necessarily the case. In part two of our conversation with Valerie White, we take a closer look at systemic inequities in the US and the potential for reparations to begin to repair them. We discuss the role that slavery and segregation played in creating the massive racial wealth gap and how it continues to define modern America. Next, Valerie unpacks what reparations might look like beyond financial compensation, and why systemic change is needed in all sectors of government, from education to housing. She also confronts the polarized state of US politics and the hostility that some groups have toward equity and change. Despite the enduring injustices of the status quo and the glacial pace of systemic change, Valerie still finds reasons for hope in the small victories she comes across in her advocacy work. To hear more of Valerie’s insights, and the remainder of our conversation on disrupting systemic inequities, be sure to tune in today.

Key Points From This Episode:

• An overview of the racial wealth gap in the US.
• Historical factors that have contributed to systemic inequality.
• Reparation efforts and examples of initiatives that have decreased the racial wealth gap.
• Why the term ‘reparations’ covers more than just financial reparations.
• The systemic repairs that need to take place in the US.
• Valerie’s limited expectations for systemic change.
• How Valerie finds hope when systemic change is so incremental.
• Political polarization in the US and how different groups view equity.
• A breakdown of the holistic and intentional approach that LISC NY takes in uplifting communities.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Valerie White on LinkedIn

Valerie Email

LISC NY

LISC on LinkedIn

LISC NY on LinkedIn

LISC on Facebook

LISC NY on Facebook

The U.S. Racial Wealth Gap, 1860–2020

The Color of Money

Ford Foundation

Vincencia Adusei on LinkedIn

Vincencia Adusei on Twitter

VASE Construction

Jimmy Miller on LinkedIn

Censere Consulting

Peter Wood on LinkedIn

YIMBY Nation Email

YIMBY Nation